iGov CEO: Updating infrastructure necessary to reduce cyber attacks

As the Ministry of Public Administration continues refurbishing ageing technologies and systems as part of its iGovTT system, this upgrade will be critical in reducing the chances of hacking and strengthening the security capacities of the system, according to Chairman Dr Sean Rocke on Monday.

Rocke explained the need to improve the quality of infrastructure of the iGovTT system at a Joint Select Committee on State Enterprises at the Cabildo Building, St Vincent Street, Port of Spain, where he responded to questions from opposition member Fazal Karim on the security features of the system.

Rocke said while he could not go into details of past lapses in the system’s security due to security concerns, he admitted there were challenges in securing the system, owing partly to the upkeep of dated infrastructure that made up the system.

“There were challenges at times with respect to ensuring there was full coverage and one of the reasons for this would be the challenges faced by many state enterprises which is maintaining ageing infrastructure and ageing software in light of various economic challenges.

“I can tell you that for the period of time we have been at the company, several reports would have come to us. There would have been instances of exposures in the system.”

CEO of iGovTT Kirk Henry said the system which was launched in 2009 was in the process of being upgraded through a large scale “refresh” of infrastructure and resources which was expected to be completed in June.

“As of January 2019 we embarked on a full blown refresh of the infrastructure so that it would enable the modernisation thrust of the Ministry (of Public Administration). We expect that initiative to be completed in June, we originally anticipated completion to the end of March but we had some difficulties with suppliers and bringing down equipment.”

Henry said the refresh would enhance performance and functionality while improving the ease of doing business with government services.

The iGovTT system operates under the Ministry of Public Administrator and acts as a service provider and support services to Information and Communications Technology for various government ministries.